Margrain vineyard, planted in 1992, was born from the passion for fine wine, good food and the country lifestyle held by husband and wife owners Daryl and Graham Margrain. The original 4 hectare property combined perfect location with the essential soil type - a fine layer of silty loam over deep river gravels which sits on the edge of the terrace overlooking the Huangaroa river bed. The winery's capacity was increased in 2000 with the purchase of the more mature Chifney vineyard, located right across the road from the original four hectare site. Wine maker Strat Canning is developing a good reputation for the quality of Margrain wines, with competition successes helping. Amongst the many awards include Champion Riesling at the 1999 Air New Zealand Wine Awards.